Advanced Laser Improves Cataract Surgeries

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract sugeries were approved in 2010 and are now available in the DC area. This laser has the potential to significantly improve cataract surgeries over time.

This computer-driven laser offers ophthalmologists the ability to make precise cuts in the targeted areas of the eye without damaging surrounding tissues.

Thomas Clinch, M.D. of Eye Doctors of Washington says, "What the laser does is more precisely open the lens capsule and fragment the material inside so that when we go back inside later with the ultrasound, much less energy is delivered to the inside of the eye making it a more gentle procedure."

Dr. Clinch uses the LenSX technology to perform this procedure. He says these carefully placed laser incisions will not only be used to remove the eye's cloudy lens in the operating room, but they actually help reshape the cornea and get rid of astigmatism. "It's done with a higher precision, the likelihod of being able to get someone to see without glasses is higher," says Dr. Clinch.

Cynthia Bradford, M.D., a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthlamology says the treatment holds a lot of promise, over time it will continue to be improved and we will see the full results.